(ATLANTA) – The Spring Atlanta Jewelry Show returns to the Cobb Galleria Centre from March 8-10, 2014 to bring attending retailers fresh new product resources and a full roster of educational and networking opportunities. The 2014 edition headliners include the return of Mingle, the show’s new after-hours gathering spot; more exhibiting artists in the new Handcrafted Studio section; expanded educational offerings,and even more first-time and returning exhibitors in virtually every product category.

“For more than 60 years, the region’s retailers have looked to the Atlanta Jewelry Show as their primary resource for new products and fresh ideas,” explains Carol Young, executive director, Southern Jewelry Travelers Association (SJTA), producers and managers of the Atlanta Jewelry Show. “So we are constantly working to bring new categories and designs to the show floor. This March, we’re backing this growing selection with even more educational programs and an ever-expanding show social line-up to send retailers back to their stores energized and full of actionable ideas to boost sales.”

March 2014 show highlights include:

Handcrafted Studio: Unique finds, emerging artists.

The Atlanta Jewelry Show welcomes the return of Handcrafted Studio, a small, intimate grouping of jewelry designers showcasing one-of-a-kind artisan pieces in a range of price points and styles. A true discovery point for unique finds and up-and-coming trends, Handcrafted Studio offers jewelers the ideal opportunity to uncover original creations that promise to position their store as the community’s resource for fresh new designs.

Fresh Looks. Fresh Ideas.

Offering a one-stop buying resource, the Atlanta Jewelry Show brings together hundreds of companies showcasing some of the best names in the business and up-and-coming companies representing virtually every product category.This March, attendees can expect to find fresh new looks on the show floor as they stroll the entire exhibition to explore the cutting edge styles in the popularPoint of View: A Designer Gallery, and the newest jewelry designs and best-sellers from exhibitors in the Promenade and general booth areas.

Mingle

Among the most talked-about features of the August 2013 show was “Mingle,” the show’s new after-hours gathering spot at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel.“Mingle” returns in March to give attendees and exhibitors even more opportunities to meet up with industry friends, relax and unwind each evening of the show.Mingle Events include:

Mingle on Friday, March 7, 9-11 pm, Medici Restaurant at Renaissance Waverly Hotel - Drop by after dinner to kick off the weekend’s events.You never know who you’ll run in to at Mingle!

Mingle on Saturday, March 8, 9–11 pm, Medici Restaurant at Renaissance Waverly Hotel - The party continues at Mingle on Saturday evening. Stop by for a night cap with industry friends before you call it a night.

Mingle on Sunday, March 9, 6:30-8:30 pm, Renaissance Waverly Hotel Lobby - Drop by right after the show closes for Mingle Sunday! It’s a great way to top off the Atlanta Show as you relax and unwind with friends and colleagues.

The Gold Bar - 1600 Aisle

As the newest addition to the show floor, the Gold Bar offers a perfect meeting spot for buyers and exhibitors alike.Located on the 1600 aisle, this new lounge features a cash bar and comfortable seating - ideal for a quick break, appointment or catching up with industry friends, without leaving the show floor.

In addition, the March Atlanta Jewelry Show will also welcome back a number of other popular programs and features. Among them:

Expanded Educational Offerings

Jewelers will find an expanded roster of educational programming touching on everything from bridal trends and colored gemstones to security, social media strategies, marketing tips and more. Special programs, including new, daily Café Conversations, a Gemological Institute of America® Lab Class, a brand new Gemworld International Workshop and the popular AJS U series bring together top presenters touching on the industry’s most important issues, business-building strategies, trends and challenges.All designed to arm jewelers with practical and profitable ideas to maximize sales throughout the year. See page 30 for more details.

Complimentary Buyer Breakfast Each Morning

Buyers can gear up for a busy buying day by enjoying a light continental breakfast served in the registration concourse area.Sponsored by Southern Jewelry News.

$5 Buyer Lunch Buffet

To help buyers maximize their buying time, the Atlanta Jewelry Show is offering the popular Lunch Buffet for only $5. Buyers are invited to sit down for a welcome break during their busy buying day.They simply present their buyer badge and the special coupon they’ll receive at registration to enjoy the gourmet lunch.This way, buyers won’t miss a beat – staying close to the action on the show floor – while rebooting their systems.

SJTA Rewards

SJTA Rewards help buyers rack up reward points on every order written at the Show. Buyers can earn valuable SJTA Reward points for simply placing orders for their best-sellers, required stock items, and other store necessities during the March Atlanta Show, and then redeem them for hotel and travel packages, electronics, personal accessories, home goods and more. At any time during the event, buyers need only bring copies of orders placed during the show to the SJTA Rewards desk where the representative will deposit the corresponding Rewards points to their Rewards account. After the show, retailers can visit the program’s online catalog to see all the items they can order.

Elite Buyer’s Club

Retailers who have earned 15,000 SJTA Reward points or more at any one of the past three shows are automatically enrolled in the Elite Buyers Club - the exclusive club of Atlanta VIP buyers. As a member, they receive special badges signifying VIP Status; access to an exclusive registration counter just for Club Elite Members; and entry into the exclusive, members-only Club Elite lounge. To find out if they qualify for membership, buyers should contact Fran Strauss at SJTA at 800-241-0399 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Atlanta Jewelry Show is proud to once again shine a spotlight on the industry’s young emerging talents as the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) and the SJTA co-host the 11th annual Student Design Competition Awards ceremony on Sunday, March 9 at 3 pm. The competition is co-sponsored by Stuller, Inc. This year’s special guest judge is award-winning jewelry designer Barbara Heinrich, Barbara Heinrich Studio.In addition to choosing the winning student entries in the ring, bracelet, necklace and brooch categories, Heinrich will lead a mentoring session with the student finalists.

Buy More. Spend Less. AJS Travel Savings.

SJTA has arranged for deep discounts at area hotels, which can be obtained by calling the show’s host hotels directly or via the show website. Attendees can find the list and direct links to the hotels, rates and group codes to reference for discounts at www.atlantajewelryshow.com. When calling, attendees should tell the reservations representative that they’re attending the SJTA Atlanta Jewelry Show to take advantage of the special show rates.